Monthly Archives: August 2018

Fort Scott, Mercy Hospital

Modern Woodman Donates $2,000 Towards New Ambulance

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Modern Woodmen of America representatives Scott Gander and JoLynne Mitchell (front) presented a $2,000 check to assist with the purchase of a new ambulance to Mercy Health Foundation representatives (back row, left-right) Jared Leek, Chris Petty and Tina Rockhold.

Mercy Health Foundation Receives $2,000 for

New Ambulance from Modern Woodmen of America

FORT SCOTT, Kan. (August 2, 2018) – Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott received a $2,000 matching fund check from the Modern Woodmen of America today to support the purchase of a new ambulance for Mercy EMS.

Jolynne Mitchell and Scott Gander from Modern Woodmen of America presented the check to Mercy Health Foundation Board officers Jared Leek and Chris Petty and foundation executive director Tina Rockhold.

The $2,000 was pledged in April to the foundation by the Modern Woodmen of America as a corporate sponsorship for the Hit the Bricks Wine Stroll, Art Walk, and Blane Howard Concert. In the sponsorship agreement, the Mercy Health Foundation needed to net a minimum of $2,000 in event proceeds to receive the matching $2,000.

Gross revenue for the Hit the Bricks event totaled $22,303.53 which includes the pledge from Modern Woodmen of America, individual contributions, ticket sales and proceeds from 1:1 matching funds collected the night of the event.

“On behalf of the Mercy Health Foundation Board, I want to my express gratitude to everyone who played a role in making the second Hit the Bricks event a success,” said Rockhold. “A huge thanks to the extensive list of people for tremendous teamwork and commitment to hosting the event.”

“We were blessed with beautiful weather for the night but more importantly, we made significant strides to making it possible to purchase a new ambulance for our family, friends, and neighbors who may need emergency care.”

Mercy Health Foundation Board will continue fundraising efforts to collect the remaining $42,879 necessary to purchase the new ambulance. The goal is for the new ambulance to be in service by mid-fall.

The Mercy Health Foundation Fort Scott is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization which raises money and community awareness for Mercy Hospital. It is dependent on the support of individuals, corporations and foundations to help Mercy meet community health care needs. Mercy Health Foundation invests its philanthropic support in facilities and the advancement of technologies and programs to enhance Mercy’s ability to provide excellence in health care.

To make a donation, please visit www.mercy.net/giving or call the Mercy Health Foundation office at 620-223-8094.

Mercy, named one of the top five large U.S. health systems in 2018, 2017 and 2016 by IBM Watson Health, serves millions annually. Mercy includes more than 40 acute care and specialty (heart, children’s, orthopedic and rehab) hospitals, 800 physician practices and outpatient facilities, 44,000 co-workers and 2,100 Mercy Clinic physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. Mercy also has clinics, outpatient services and outreach ministries in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. In addition, Mercy’s IT division, Mercy Technology Services, supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

supply chain organization, ROi, and Mercy Virtual commercially serve providers and patients in more than 20 states coast to coast.

Bourbon County

Local Art Is Ageless Winners

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Fort Scott Presbyterian Village artists among Art is Ageless® masterpiece level winners

Two winning artists in Fort Scott Presbyterian Manor’s annual Art is Ageless® juried competition will be featured in the 2019 Art is Ageless Calendar produced by Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America.

A quilted wall hanging titled Barnyard Beauties by Helen Nuzum and a painting by Aggie Keesling, Welcoming Light, will appear in the calendar when it is released this fall.

In addition, Mary Wood’s piece, Yo Yo Quilt, will be in the Honorable Mention gallery.

Works by local winners are automatically entered into a masterpiece level competition with winning art from 16 other PMMA communities. More than 180 entries were received for this year’s masterpiece competition. The winners are featured in the Art is Ageless calendar and greeting cards.

Art is Ageless, open exclusively to people age 65 and older, is a copyrighted program of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America. For the competition, works must have been completed in the past five years.

Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s Art is Ageless program encourages Arkansas City Presbyterian Manor residents and other area seniors to express their creativity through its annual competition, as well as art classes, musical and dramatic events, educational opportunities and current events discussions throughout the year.

Started in 1980, Art is Ageless is an extension of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s wellness programs, which focus on mental, physical, social and spiritual health. Residents and friends of Presbyterian Manors of Mid-America’s Art is Ageless program are proving that art, in any form, is an ageless ambition.

For more information about Fort Scott Presbyterian contact Becky Kellum Marketing Director at (620)223-5550 or at [email protected]

 

Bourbon County, Government

Bourbon County Candidates: Responses From the Forum

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People begin to file into the Fort Scott High School auditorium for the Candidate Forum July 31

The  2018 Candidate Forum July 31 at Fort Scott High School lasted fours hours and featured 25 candidates from the national level to the county level. Tim McKenney was the moderator, Mark McCoy the timer. The event was sponsored by the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

Four candidates are vying for Bourbon County Commission Dist. 1 and were allowed to respond to questions during the forum.

The current Bourbon County Attorney is running unopposed and was allowed a few minutes to give remarks.

Jackie Spradling is running unopposed for the Bourbon County Attorney position she has held since January.

Spradling has been a prosecutor for over 28 years, tried over 120 jury trials and 81 murder trials, she said.

“I stand proudly with Bill (Martin, Sheriff) and Travis (Shelton, Police Chief) and your law enforcement officers in fighting the crime in this community. We have filed more cases so far this year than was filed all of last year.  We have also filed more Child In Need Of Care cases so far this year than all of last year. We are trying to hold offenders accountable, protect people who have been victims of crime and take care of the babies and kids who can’t take care of themselves.”

The following are the questions posed to the Bourbon County Commission District 1 candidates and excerpts of their responses.

Opening remarks:

Lynn Oharah is 70-years-old,  has a wife and two daughters. He is a  veteran, retired from ATT as a manager, was the state representative for two years, USD 235 Board of Education member for 10 years and the current District 1 Commissioner two years. Management experience is what he has to offer in the position.

Clinton Walker is married, has two children and spent 22 years in the military, where he learned to manage people, budget, equipment, facilities, and buildings. “I think that I can make a difference and save taxpayer money,” Walker said.

Matt Crystal served in the military 25 years and moved back to help on the family farm. “Leadership, budgeting, construction is what he brings to the table,” Crystal said.

Robert Query is a  rancher and heavy equipment business owner. He served eight years as county commissioner. “I know how to do more, spend less,” Query said.

The candidates answered questions previously submitted to the Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce.

Question 1: The Bourbon County Jail was approved by voters with a cost of approximately 6.4 million dollars, the price has now increased. How do you make sure projects stay on track and not go over budget?

Walker: “You’ve got to be involved in that project. Staying on a budget that’s not hard to do. If you don’t have the money, you don’t buy it…you don’t put it on credit card. ”

Crystal: “You have to stay involved as commissioners. More involved with a contractor that was going to oversee the entire project, so they could stay on track and stay on budget.”

Query: “Involvement with it from day one, when it was going out for bids, I was not for the jail in the first place. We are going to have to be responsible out there to look at every bill… and work with Bill (Sheriff Martin).”

Oharah: “Unforeseen material and labors costs went way up, but we stayed within the parameters of the question on the ballot.” If we didn’t build the jail we would be spending over $300,000 this year to house our prisoners, a total waste of taxpayer money.”

Question 2: Some counties are hiring a manager to handle the daily operations, do you think it makes sense to hire a county manager and then use non-paid elected commissioners to oversee his performance?

Crystal: “I can see some efficiencies in it, however, that’s what the commission is doing and that’s the commission’s job. You can’t manage the county one day a week, you have to be out there to see what else is going on. I don’t think the county could afford to pay a salary that the commission was elected to do.”

Query: “It would be another big salary, we already have too  many of those big salary employees at this time.”

Oharah: “I’m not in favor of a county manager. It’s the job of the county commissioners to oversee what is going on. I don’t take benefits from the county. I spend two and a half days a week looking at the county. The equipment we’ve bought has been a benefit to the county.”

Walker: “No it doesn’t make any sense to hire a manager. Lead from the front. I’ll be that leader.”

Question 3: How can you foster economic development in Bourbon County?

Query: “We had strategic planning to meet with us (when he formerly served on the Bourbon County Commission). I think it needs to be put back. The programs at the college are teaching welding and carpentry work and that can create jobs in this deal and that will help with economic development.”

Oharah: “Bourbon County is slated to lose population. We are putting the final touches on our Neighborhood Revitalization Plan. Which is going to give tax refunds for qualified construction projects for new and remodels on homes and farms and  businesses.”

Walker: “First,  stop buying new equipment, second, internet service we need to have that because you can’t have entrepreneurs come into the county without broadband.”

Crystal: “Airport expansion, could bring in a business. We can’t get people here fast enough. We need new blood, we need new thoughts and fresh ideas.”

Closing remarks by the candidates:

Oharah: “Reduce taxes through economic growth. We have implemented programs that should draw growth. We are Christian, pro-life, 2nd amendment supporters. Why run? I have a passion to see Bourbon County succeed and grow.”

Walker: “Number 1, debt. We don’t maintain vehicles. (in the county).We need to have a good maintenance program for this county. Buy with cash, I don’t want to pass this debt on to the next generation. I’ll manage personnel and equipment.”

Crystal: ” I want to serve my community. I’ll use my  25 years in the military, use that leadership expertise in order to improve  the services in the county.”

Query: ” Eight years experience is needed in the county.  We need to quit buying more than we can pay for. Bottom line, live within your means, we are the ones who pick up the tab.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Uncategorized

Fort Scott Munitions Responsible For Loud Explosion This A.M.

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The loud explosion heard this morning in Fort Scott is not a cause for alarm, according to the Fort Scott Police Department.

“What I  know is Fort Scott Munitions is testing some stuff,” Tracy Reed, FSPD Communications Manager said at 9:45 a.m.

Robbie Forester, president of Fort Scott Munitions is making a YouTube video with Hank Strange this morning, according to Steven Kalm, retail manager with FS Munitions.

“They shot about 52 pounds of tannerite,” he said. “It makes a pretty good bang.” The explosion took place southwest of Fort Scott, according to Kalm.

Strange is a YouTube personality who reviews guns.

Government, Kansas

Statewide Broadband Mapping Project

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Governor’s Office Receives Grant for Statewide Broadband Mapping Project

 

 

TOPEKA—The Information Network of Kansas (“INK”) Board of Directors has approved a $300,000 grant request by Governor Jeff Colyer, M.D. to complete a Statewide Broadband Mapping project.

 

The project, which will be undertaken by non-profit Connected Nation in partnership with the Governor’s Office, will prepare a statewide broadband map of wireline and wireless coverage. This map will provide the Statewide Broadband Expansion Planning Task Force, created when Governor Colyer signed Sen. Sub. for House Bill No. 2701 into law, with a snapshot of broadband coverage in the state. The map will assist the Task Force in its efforts to identify and close broadband coverage gaps in Kansas.

 

“Access to quality broadband services is vital for Kansas communities to compete for jobs and people, and we can’t improve what we don’t measure,” said Governor Colyer. “Producing this statewide broadband map positions our state for long-term growth in the rapidly expanding digital economy and helps us ensure that all Kansans are benefitting from these new opportunities.”

 

Connected Nation will produce a granular statewide broadband availability map through a data collection process in collaboration with the state’s broadband service providers, for use by the general public and the Task Force.  Connected Nation will also collect public feedback on the initial draft of the map and will deploy engineers into the field to validate service availability (or the lack thereof) based on the feedback received in order to improve the map over time.

 

“Just as roads, bridges, water systems, and the electrical grid serve as critical infrastructure today, so, too, is fast and reliable broadband access,” said Brent Legg, Vice President of Government Affairs at Connected Nation.  “Unfortunately, information collected on broadband at the federal level isn’t accurate or granular enough to effectively guide policymaking and get broadband to the areas that need it.  Governor Colyer recognized this need, and thanks to INK’s grant, we will now have the resources to identify and map the areas that still lack service across Kansas.”

 

In addition to tackling a number of broadband-related issues, the Task Force will evaluate and provide input to the mapping process based on preliminary feedback and results of Connected Nation’s work later this year.

 

“As Co-Chairs of the Statewide Broadband Expansion Planning Task Force, we strongly commend Governor Colyer for his initiative with this grant application and are excited to hear about the funding of the vital statewide broadband mapping project. This map will assist the Task Force as we work to expand broadband infrastructure and increase statewide access to broadband services for our fellow Kansans,” stated Senator Rob Olson and Representative Joe Seiwert, who also both chair their respective legislative chamber’s telecommunications issue committees.

 

Governor Colyer selected Rich Felts, President of Kansas Farm Bureau (KFB), as his at-large appointment to the Task Force. KFB was recently granted a waiver from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to challenge its Mobility Fund Phase II (MFII) eligibility map, which will determine where $4.53 billion in subsidies for LTE broadband service buildout will be directed across the country over the next 10 years. KFB is working with their members and Kansans from all over the state to conduct speed tests to show the need to increase the number of eligible areas in Kansas (see www.kfb.org/ConnectingKansas).

 

“Kansans in every county of the state know where the shortcomings on broadband connectivity reside,” KFB President Rich Felts said. “Having an up-to-date map that accurately reflects areas that lack connectivity in both wired and wireless broadband will allow for future broadband development to improve public safety, and enhance agricultural technology, education, telemedicine and economic vitality.”

 

In June, the Governor’s Office received another grant from the INK Board in the amount of $225,000 to conduct professional mobile service drive testing and file its own challenge to expand eligible areas under the FCC’s MFII program. Alongside KFB, the Governor’s Office will dispute areas that are currently considered ineligible for MFII buildout support. If the challenge is successful, it could potentially unlock millions of dollars in MFII support for LTE service buildout in rural Kansas. The Governor’s Office will be working with Connected Nation to administer the drive-testing process in targeted areas believed to have limited or no cellular service today.

 

Also in June, Governor Colyer appointed Stanley Adams as Director of Broadband Initiatives at the Kansas Department of Commerce to work on continuing to identify broadband needs and solutions across Kansas—focusing heavily on broadband access issues facing many rural areas across the state.

 

“It’s critical that we have good data to understand where gaps in broadband coverage exist, with a level of detail sufficient to develop effective strategies that will result in all Kansans having access to the high quality broadband services needed to grow our economy and enhance our competitiveness” stated Mr. Adams.

 

The first draft of the statewide broadband availability map will be ready by December 31.  Challenges to the FCC’s MFII eligibility map are currently due on August 27, although FCC Chairman Ajit Pai has signaled that the agency may extend the deadline to November 27.

 

Entertainment, Fort Scott

FSCC Summer Theater Camp: Beauty IS A Beast

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Fairy Morgan Eaton kept the audience apprised of what was going on in the story.

Culminating four weeks of a children’s summer theater camp, 17 local children under the direction of Allen Twitchell presented Beauty IS A Beast, Wednesday evening.

The story is a twist of an age-old story of what constitutes real beauty.

The play is a parable in six scenes set in the kingdom of Callentine and will be presented again Thursday evening at 7 p.m. at the Ellis Family Fine Arts Center at Fort Scott Community College.

Camp participants received instruction in theater basics and engaging in theater exercises.

The play was presented in a workshop style, with minimal set, costumes, and props.

The crew consisted of Twitchell as director, Jared Oshel at production assistant and well as set design and construction, Ivy Bailey also helped with set design and construction. Publicity was by Kassie Fugate-Cate.

The cast, in order of appearance: Fairy-Morgan Eaton, Beauty-Kaitlyn Hanks, Sarah/Molly/Jo-Analeise Rupprecht, Tutor/ Janie- Jordyn McGhee, Guard/John-Vladimir Clark, Guard/Sam/Joe-Matthew Eaton, Scribe-Cadence Tuck, Honor-Wendy Monahan, Andres/Nick-Jakob Slinkard, Meg/Patty-Alyssa Shelton, Kelly/Sally-Madalyn Willet, Queen-Natalie Eaton, Mayor/Peter-Raj Gugnani, Jill-Ivy Bailey, Bill/Jimmy-Micah Hunt, Mandy-Alyssa Hunt. Aubrie McGhee was ill Wednesday evening but had practiced as Mary/Cindy in the play.

Fort Scott, Government

Road Work on Wall Street Starts Aug. 6

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CITY OF FORT SCOTT NEWS RELEASE

August 1, 2018

Beginning on Monday, August 6th, 2018 (weather permitting) Killough Construction, in conjunction with the City of Fort Scott, will be milling and overlaying Wall Street from the east side of Highway 69 to Margrave Street.

With this asphalt work, there will be lane closures at certain intersections while crews perform grinding work to the asphalt surface.

During this time you may experience delays in travel and limited access to certain locations along this route. You are encouraged to avoid this route if at all possible. This work should be completed by the end of the day on Tuesday, August 7th, 2018.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

Business, Fort Scott

18th and National Avenue Building Being Repurposed

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A blighted building is being repurposed, located at 1801-1805 S. National Avenue.

A new business partnership has been formed between Kale Nelson and Justin Meeks: JK Hold’Em LLC.

Nelson and Meeks have recently purchased the building at the junction of Hwy. 69 and National Avenue for repurposing into offices for themselves.

Nelson will be moving his State Farm Insurance office staff into 1805 S. National and Meeks will be moving his private law practice into 1801 S. National.

The building is about 3,200 square feet.

“My office will be around 1800 square feet,” Nelson said. “Currently I have around 1,200 square feet.”

“Kale and I are committed to this community,” Meeks said. “We are working on a very blighted building. This building needed to be rehabbed. This was a perfect opportunity to take a building and make it better.”

Citizens National Bank ” saw the vision and loaned the money for the rehab,” Meeks said. “Kale presented to BEDCO (Bourbon County Economic  Development Council), who made a commitment.

The Fort Scott city staff have been instrumental also.

“(Economic Director)Rachel Pruitt, (Tourism Director) Larry Gazaway, (City Manager) Dave Martin and (Community Development Director)Rhonda Dunn have helped. Especially Rachel,” Meeks said.

“It’s been a team effort,” Meeks said.

“There are a lot of exciting things happening in Fort Scott,” Meeks said. “We are excited to be a part.”

Nelson and Meeks are doing the demolition of the building in the evenings and on weekends, after their other jobs.

“We are putting in quite a bit of sweat equity,” Meeks said.

Nelson is a State Farm Insurance Agent and Meeks is the Bourbon County Counselor and in addition, has a private practice.

Meeks has been doing private practice out of his home and also has an office on the square in Girard.

“My plan is to do private practice two to three days a week,” Meeks said. “Estate planning and business transactions. I will do depending on what comes in at Girard, in Crawford County. I’ve had a five-year hiatus. I really enjoy being a county counselor, but I want to keep irons in the fire.”

The general contractor for the project is Nate Lyons, and they will be using local contractors, Meeks said.

The building was constructed in 1925 and had many additions through the years with different uses: a steakhouse, bar, pet store, liquor store, antique store and vapor shop.

“People are stopping by and telling us stories” about the history, Meeks said.

The two businesses hope to be in the building after the first of the year, Meeks said.

 

 

Fort Scott, Fort Scott Chamber of Commerce

Chamber Coffee at Libation Station Aug. 2

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WEEKLY CHAMBER COFFEE REMINDER: Libation Station, Thursday, August 2.

Join us for the weekly Chamber Coffee!


Hosted by:

Location: 1122 S. Clark St.
Thursday, August 2nd, 8 am

Click here for Libation Station’s Facebook page

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Chamber members and guests are encouraged to attend for networking, community announcements, and to learn about the hosting business or organization.
Members may pay $1 to make an announcement about an upcoming event, special/sale/discount, or news of any kind.
Upcoming Coffees:
August 9th – Craw-Kan and H&H Agency
August 16 – Scott Township Rural Fire Dept
August 23 – Available – contact the Chamber to reserve your spot
August 30 – Available – contact the Chamber to reserve your spot
Government, Kansas

Kansas Tax Revenue 10-Percent Above Last Year

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July tax collections show sustained revenue stability

 

TOPEKA—Tax collections show a continuation of the revenue stability displayed last fiscal year, with total taxes more than 10 percent above last July, according to the latest monthly revenue report released Wednesday.

 

July tax collections total $499.04 million, which is 10.03 percent over last year, and 2.33 percent, or $11.35 million over revised estimates.

 

“The fiscal year 2019 is starting much like we saw in the 12 months of the fiscal year 2018, with collections above estimates, and above the previous year’s intake,” Revenue Secretary Sam Williams said. “We anticipate we will keep seeing this trend in the coming months.”

 

Because it’s the first month of the fiscal year, July is the only report where the numbers for the month and the fiscal year are the same. Individual income tax collections were $227.69 million, or $39.21 million above last year, exceeding estimates by $7.69 million.

 

Sales tax collections totaled $205.75 million, which is growth $2.25 million over last year and $753,000 above estimates.